Steam bending of single ply planks softens the wood so it can be more easily formed. So how does microwaving the wood plank work? I ask because PEARL used a microwave process to create their single ply shells of the early 1990's. Microwaving "excites" the water molecules in an object to create heat, but moisture is lost in the process. I guess if the wood was moist enough the loss could be tolerated and the result is wood with a hot water content/steam. Leave it to the Japanese!
Sumo Dude
Let John Good tell ya about the Super Solid...
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN_xzoky2ng[/ame]
That is a very impressive process! How do these shells sound? Opinions?
I've only heard them in the store through a quick demo... but I have one of these Super Solid drums on the short list. I just think they're priced a bit high for my taste.
When John said that "it has a rim shot that will take your head off," he wasn't kidding... if you lay into it it is pretty impressive..
They have 3 different shell thickness available in the line-up and rather than post all three vids I'll provide the titles for a YouTube search...Just copy and past in the YouTube search field.
Clips from the Memphis Drum Shop:
DW 14 x 5.5 Super Solid Shell Snare Drum (DRSO5514SQC-3/8)
DW 14 x 5.5 Super Solid Shell Snare Drum (DRSO5514SQC-1/2)
DW 14 x 5.5 Super Solid Shell Snare Drum with 3/4" Shell (DRSO5514SQC-3/4)
Not sure of the thickness:
DW 14 x 5.5 Super Solid Snare Shell Drum - Classic Marine Pearl (CLFP5514SPC) (player uses 3 different tunings in this video)
DW 5.5 x 14 Super Solid Snare Drum
It sounds to me that he must not be aware that Pearl made solid shells without re-rings that don't spring back. I don't know if it's their microwavng process or their 90 day drying process that makes this possible.
Tama also made single ply shells with carved re-rings as an acoustic enhancement, not a structural one. Looks like thats what DW is doing almost 20 years later.
A wood drum shell that is "literally like cement"?
